Setting the Stage for a Super Home Sale!

SETTING THE STAGE FOR A SUPER HOME SALE

If you're getting ready to sell your home, there are a few things you should do first. At the top of the list are repairs, decluttering, and staging your home for a super sale. With the help of your agent and/or homestager, you can create the perfectly staged home that's eye-catching at first glance.

In today's market that's vital; buyers typically begin their search online. That means they're going to view photos and videos of homes before they decide if they want to actually go to see the home in person.

Start with rooms that tend to be the biggest attractions: the kitchen, master bedroom, and bathrooms. Declutter first. Gather up large trash bags and boxes, then sort through the clutter by either packing up things that will move with you or throwing out trash and unusable items. Use another bag for items that you'll sell or give to charity.

Don't go on to another room until you have cleared away the clutter and the personal belongings in the first room. This process can become highly unsuccessful if you bounce between rooms, moving clutter from one room to the next. The idea is to get organized by having three categories: moving boxes, charity bags, and trash.

Once, you've cleared some space, now lighten and brighten the room. If you have dark or heavy curtains or window coverings and you're selling your home in the spring or summer, consider swapping them out for a lighter color and material that's more seasonal. They don't have to be expensive. They should, however, convey a tone of cheerfulness and help to open up the room and show off its best features.

Chipping and peeling paint, cabinets that look worn, and stained countertops are all signs of wear and tear. While these things alone may not deter buyers, they do give them cause to think twice about your home. However, it's a good thing there are quick and relatively simple tricks like applying fresh paint on the walls and refinishing cabinets and/or built-in shelf-tops. These fast renovations seem like huge improvements and add value to your home.

While setting the stage for a super home sale sounds like it's all about the physical appearance, just like in life, a successful relationship evolves from having understanding and accurate expectations. In the case of selling your home, be sure you understand how your agent will market your property. Having a solid marketing strategy is key to a successful sale. Patience is also required. Even in a seller's market, being patient is important. Sometimes offers come in that are disappointing. This is when you have to have the stamina to wait things out. A willingness to negotiateand take action when the right offers come in is equally important.

Sellers are usually very busy. Life still goes on during the listing process. Selling a home adds another layer to an already busy lifestyle. So, getting the home show-ready, preparing necessary paper work, and taking timely and efficient care of other personal matters will benefit everyone. If you work with your real estate agent to do your part and set the stage for a super sale, it's likely you'll achieve exactly that.